Importance of Dhul-Hijjah

What To Do During Dhul – Hijjah

(Dhul-Hijjah begins October 28, 2011)

For those of us who could not attend Hajj this year, it is important that we utilize the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah the same way we do the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him) has said about the first ten days of Dul-Hijjah: There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing (Bukhari).

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Lailatul Qadr].” [This is related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

Additional Hadith on Dhul-Hijjah

http://www.performhajj.com/first_ten_days_of_dhul_hijjah.php

How to Make the Best of the Holy month of Dhul-Hijjah:

1. Prayer and Supplications: Take full advantage of the fist 10 days of this month by offering as much Ibadah and doing as much good deeds as one can.

2. Fasting: The Holy Prophet (s) has said: “One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship of ‘Laylatul Qadr’.

3. Fasting the Day of Yaumal Arafah.  This is the date when the Hajj pilgrims assemble six miles away from Makkah Mukkaramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of Hajj, namely, the ‘Wuqoof of Arafat’ (the stay in Arafat). For those not performing Hajj, it is essential to fast on this day according to their own calendar. Arafah’ has been emphasized by the Holy Prophet (s) as a Mustahabb (desirable act). According to a Hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause, Inshallah, of forgiveness for sins committed in one year.

4. Remembrance of Allah (swt): Say Takbir from the Fajr of the 9th of Zul Hijjah upto the Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashreeq in the following words:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,

La Illaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar,

Allahu Akbar wa Lillahilhamd.

(Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest,

There is no God except Allah and Allah is the greatest,

Allah is the Greatest and to Him belongs all praise.)

According to authentic Islamic sources, it is obligatory on each Muslim, to recite this Takbir after every obligatory (fardh) Salaah. For women also, it is commendable though not obligatory. Whether you are performing Salaah with Jamaa’ah (collectively) or on your own (individually) makes no difference; you must recite the Takbir. However, males should recite it in a loud voice and females should recite it quietly.

5. Udhiyyah – Conducting Sacrificial Slaughter: One should prepare to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughtering of an animal) and distribute the meat amongst family, friends, the needy, etc.  Abu Haneefah (may Allah have Mercy upon him) was of the opinion that it was from the obligatory acts but most of others say it is desirable.  The Prophet (peace be upon him) said “Who does not slaughter should not come to the salaah”. [Ibn Maajah]

6. Do not cut your hair or nails if you intend to do the Sacrifice: One who wants to do the Udhiyyah should not cut his hair or nails during these ten days.  He should do so before these ten days.  The Prophet (peace be upon him), said “when any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month of Dhul-Hijjah he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut)” [Muslim]

7. Doing Good Deeds: Try to do additional good deeds during this month (such as helping others or giving charity.)  It is especially important to do good deeds for those preparing or returning from Hajj.

Click here for a List of 50 Good Deeds During Dhul-Hijjah